The Best Small Audio Speakers For 2024

Piers Anthony By, Piers Anthony
Updated
Bose SoundLink Color II: Portable Bluetooth, Wireless Speaker
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Bose SoundLink Color II: Portable Bluetooth, Wireless Speaker

The Bose SoundLink Color II is your go-to bluetooth speaker, with great sound and a sleek, lightweight design. It's easy to take anywhere and tough enough to survive bumps along the way. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Jabra Speak 510 MS Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

The Jabra Speak 510 MS has a slim, compact design and integrated cable management so you can take it with you anywhere, while also delivering clear sound on your calls. Read Review

3. Best Portable: Polk Audio T15 100 Watt Home Theater Bookshelf Speakers

These speakers are designed to produce a natural, well-balanced sound with massive bass even at the lowest frequencies. Read Review

4. Best Compact: ION Audio Block Rocker Plus - Portable Bluetooth Speaker

The ION Audio Block Rocker Plus is a versatile, powerful and fun speaker for your every need. With a 50 hour long battery life, you can enjoy nonstop music without ever worrying about power. Read Review

Small audio speakers can come in handy in a variety of situations. Maybe you want to listen to music while you’re cleaning the house, or perhaps you want to add some background music to your living room without blasting the stereo. Either way, small audio speakers are great for these kinds of situations. Small speakers are much smaller than your typical home stereo speaker system. Small speakers are often built into other devices such as televisions and radios, but they can also stand alone as their unit.

These speakers are helpful because they generally have a smaller footprint than regular stereo speakers and can be put anywhere. They’re handy if you have limited space or need something more portable. These types of audio devices are so small that most of them will fit easily in your hand. Because they’re so small, they don’t take up much space and can be moved around very quickly. If you want something more compact than an entire speaker system, read on to learn more about the best small audio speakers on the market today!

Our experts have determined the models that would be the most excellent fit for your requirements, specifically our Bose SoundLink Color II: Portable Bluetooth, Wireless Speaker with a soft-touch silicone exterior, after extensive study and analysis over a considerable time. 

Here are our recommendations.

Our Top Picks

  • Wireless Bluetooth pairing with voice prompts allows you to easily take calls and access your phone’s virtual assistant — Hands free
  • Pair 2 SoundLink speakers together for party mode or stereo mode or use Bose SimpleSync technology to pair with a member of the Bose Smart Home Family to play in sync
  • Voice prompts talk you through the Bluetooth pairing so it’s easier than ever or even quick-pair with NFC devices
  • Innovative Bose technology packs bold sound into a small, water resistant speaker
  • Rugged, with a soft touch silicone exterior that makes it easy to pick up and go
  • The lithium-ion battery lets you enjoy up to 8 hours of play time, rechargeable with USB power sources
  • Built-in mic for speakerphone to take clear conference or personal calls out loud with a wireless range of approximately 30 feet.
TOP Choice #2 Jabra Speak 510 MS Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Our Score:
9.7
Jabra
  • Hold meetings anywhere – Take audio conferencing to a whole new level and turn any room into a conference room with this wireless, portable speaker. Use it at home, in the office or when traveling
  • Works with many devices – Plug into your desk phone, mobile phone, softphone or whatever device you have. The Speak 510 speakerphone works with many types of devices for conference calls and streaming multimedia.
  • Slim, compact design – A convenient carrying case and integrated cable management makes it ideal for use while on-the-go. Plus, the slim, compact design means you can bring this wireless Bluetooth speaker anywhere you are.
  • Easy setup – No IT required; Setup and use of these Bluetooth speakers is a breeze, just connect via Bluetooth or USB and dial-in. Compatible with all leading UC platforms. Certified for Avaya, Cisco, Skype for business, and more.
  • Clearer conversations – The outstanding sound quality in the Jabra Speak 510 Wireless Bluetooth Portable Speaker ensures everyone is heard during conference calls, making your meeting more efficient. The 360-degree microphone pick up sound at all angles.
TOP Choice #3 Polk Audio T15 100 Watt Home Theater Bookshelf Speakers
Our Score:
9.6
Polk Audio
  • CREATE A FULL-FLEDGED 5.1 HOME THEATER SETUP with the complete range of T-series speakers from Polk with two T50 Tower Speakers, one T30 Center Channel, two T15 Bookshelf speakers and a subwoofer
  • Polk speakers are COMPATIBLE WITH MOST HOME THEATER AV RECEIVERS giving you many setup arrangement options - in single or multi-room with 2.0, 2.1, 3.1 systems or an immersive 5.1, 7.1 or 9.1 setup
  • POLK'S UNMATCHED QUALITY AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE. With these value-priced speakers, you can now enjoy premium acoustics, high quality construction, easy setup and a spectacular theater experience right at home
  • GET SUPERIOR HOME THEATER EXPERIENCE WITH IMMERSIVE SURROUND SOUND – Featuring (1) 0.75" tweeter & (1) 5.25" Dynamic Balance Driver, these speakers are designed to produce a natural, well-balanced sound with massive bass even at the lowest frequencies
  • Use these wall-mountable bookshelf speakers as FRONT, LEFT-RIGHT SETUP, SURROUNDS OR AS REAR SPEAKERS and get mesmerized by detailed audio with crystal clear vocals, enough to fill any small to medium sized room
  • What’s in the box: Block Rocker Plus Bluetooth Speaker, Microphone with Cable, 1/8” (3.5 millimeter) stereo aux cable, power/charging cable, quickstart guide, safety & warranty manual
  • Connectivity covered send your music to block rocker plus from any Bluetooth enabled device and control playback via dedicated Bluetooth track controls (play/pause, next, back).
  • Long life battery 50 hour rechargeable battery for nonstop fun, plus a USB port is included for charging smartphones, tablets and more
  • No Bluetooth No problem A 1/8 inch (3.5 millimeter) aux input is also included for non Bluetooth devices as well as an on board AM/FM radio
  • Ultra-portable centerpiece for your gathering rugged plastic enclosure featuring a telescoping handle, wheels and two conveniently located carrying handles; Plus, a microphone is included for public speaking, karaoke and more
  • Dynamic, powerful sound 8 inch woofer and wide dispersion tweeter deliver clear, lifelike sound; A 100 watt peak power amplifier pumps up the volume and a Bass Boost button instantly cranks up the low end
  • Note: Kindly refer to the user manual provided as a PDF manual in the product description section
5 Logitech Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker
Our Score:
9.2
Logitech
  • 5.1 digital surround sound: Hear every detail in your Dolby Digital and DTS soundtracks the way the studio intended. Sub woofer: 165 Watts
  • Flexible setup: Connect upto six devices : Computer, music player, TV, game console and more; Infared remote
  • Easy sound control: Compact control console and wireless remote let you instantly personalize your surround sound experience
  • System Requirements: Works with any device with either a headphone jack (3.5 millimeters), RCA, six channel direct, digital coaxial input or optical inputs. Signal to noise ratio, A weighted: >95dB
  • Delivers a continuous 500 watts of power, with the ability to deliver a peak of 1,000 watts under certain circumstances: Thunderous, room shaking audio with deep bass you can feel
  • THX certified home theater speakers: Your assurance of true cinema quality sound. Satellites : 4 x 67 W, wall mountable
6 Polk Audio Atrium 4 Outdoor Speakers
Our Score:
9.0
Polk Audio
  • THE SPEAKER FOR ALL SEASONS – it’s rugged durability, high environmental endurance and superior quality has helped Polk Outdoor Speakers earn the all-weather Certification. EFFORTLESSLY WITHSTANDS EXTREME TEMPERATURES AND HEAVY RAIN year after year
  • WIDER SOUND DISPERSION & SURPRISINGLY POWERFUL BASS driven by a 4 1/2" mineral filled Dynamic Balance polymer cone and a 3/4" anodized aluminum dome tweeter with rubber surround. 80W power CUTS THROUGH LOUD, JARRING BACKGROUND NOISES
  • ONE-CLICK SPEED-LOCK MOUNTING BRACKET offers EASY, ANTI-SLIP ONE-HANDED INSTALLATION allowing you to mount these speakers vertically or horizontally, to deliver the best possible sound in a variety of situations. Simply mount the swiveling C-bracket
  • CREATED TO LIVE AND PLAY OUTDOORS, your Atrium Speakers can be installed in any open space—by a pool, in the patio or a sunroom, or tucked away somewhere in the backyard. They will deliver EXCEPTIONALLY GREAT SOUND
  • Recognized as ONE OF THE BEST-LOOKING OUTDOOR SPEAKERS, Polk Atrium 4 speakers come with a steeply-angled baffle design filling open spaces with big full-range sound! The outer profile EASILY BLENDS INTO THE CORNERS OF THE OUTDOOR WALLS
  • Wireless Stereo Pairing: Connect 2 SoundBox Pro+ speakers via a single device for stereo sound and double the volume.
  • Extended playtime: Built-in a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, play seamless music up to 15 hours at 50% volume without light.(battery life will vary with use, settings, and environmental conditions)
  • Be Entertained More: With the built-in microphone, take conference calls or friend group chats and access your device’s default voice assistant right from the Bluetooth speaker. Compatible with mobile phones, computers, tablets, or take your music to the living room, backyard, office, camping, outdoor travel, or anywhere really.
  • Beat-Driven Party Lights: The mixing colored flashing lights that sync to the beat including line lights and a speaker light to create a pulsing light show for any song.
  • Overwhelming Bass: Make the bass richer and volume louder via the single press of a button. Fills your room with impressive, overwhelming sound.
  • Brilliant Sound: Two full-range drivers and dual passive radiators produce 24W incredible sound with booming bass, tight mids, and crystal clear highs without distortion at any volume.
  • EXPERIENCE MORE BALANCED & LIFELIKE SOUND – Features an 8" Dynamic Balance woofer & a 1" aimable tweeter for more depth & detail in your music. Mineral-filled polymer cone & strong composite driver baskets create wider dispersion for EVEN-SOUND COVERAGE
  • Polk's UNWAVERING COMMITMENT, RELIABILITY, AND CRAFTSMANSHIP, has made it one of the most trusted names in home audio speakers and entertainment systems. They bring out the BEST IN TECHNOLOGY, so you can SIT BACK, RELAX AND LISTEN WITH YOUR HEART!
  • THE RUBBER SEAL DRIVES better response and PREVENTS MOISTURE ACCESS, a key feature for USE IN A BATHROOM, KITCHEN, SAUNA AND COVERED PORCH
  • OUT OF THE BOX & RECESSED INTO THE CEILING - no mess, no extra assembly - in 3 simple steps QUICKLY & EASILY INSTALL these speakers. Leave the paintable aluminum grilles as is or spray paint to MATCH YOUR EXISTING INTERIOR and virtually make them disappear
  • GET SEAMLESS AUDIO QUALITY & POLK'S EXCELLENT SOUND REPRODUCTION with these timbre-matched overhead speakers that elevate the sound quality. ADD TO YOUR EXISTING HOME THEATER SETUP or build your own Polk collection for THE SAME GREAT POLK SOUND EVERYWHERE
  • POLYPROPYLENE CONE: Features polypropylene cones and ribbed, UV-treated polyester woofer surround that resists heat and sunlight
  • PEI DOME TWEETERS: Includes 0.5-inch PEI dome tweeters for rich sound detail and large neodymium tweeter magnets ramp up the volume at high frequencies
  • 6.5-INCH COAXIAL SPEAKER PAIR: The pair of Kicker CS Series 6.5 Inch 4 Ohm 2-Way Car Audio Coaxial Speaker System are made to fit most cars and give you remarkable performance with ultra clear bass
  • SPECIFICATIONS: Sensitivity: 90 dB; Frequency range: 40 to 20,000 Hz; Top mount depth: 0.38 inches; Bottom mount depth: 1.69 inches; Mounting hole diameter: 4.81; Manufacturer warranty: 1-year warranty
  • PERFORMANCE FEATURES: 300 Watt MAX100-watt RMS power; EVC technology improves woofer performance
  • 8 INCH WOOFER WITH DUAL1 INCH TWEETERS: Enjoy Crystal Clear Sound And Comfortable Listening From Anywhere In The Room With Our 3-Way 8’’ In-Ceiling In-Wall Home Speakers
  • UNIQUE DESIGN: Acoustic Audio By Rockrix Flush Mount In Ceiling 8“ Speaker Set,Center Channel With Front And Rear, Right And Left Home Theater Configuration,Wide Sound Dispersion Designed Speakers Easily Integrate With New And Existing Audio Systems
  • MONEY BACK GUARANTEE: All Rockrix In-Ceiling Speaker Come With A 100% Money Back Guarantee, Just In Case You Are Not Happy With Your Purchase. Simply Get In Contact With Us And We Shall Refund It
  • EASY INSTALLATION: Requiring Only A Screw Driver, The Mounting Tabs Securely Grab Onto Surrounding Drywall. Our Speakers Offer A Unique Rimless Low Profile Design With Micro-Fine Mesh Grill For A Refined And Sophisticated Appearance
  • FLUSH MOUNT DESGIN: Compact Flush Mount Design For Simple Easy Installation In-Wall / In-Ceiling, Or Pre-Cut Speaker Openings, The Rubber Seal Drives Perfect For Damp And Humid Indoor/Outdoor Placement - Bath, Kitchen, Covered Porches
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best small audio speakers?

You may think purchasing seems simple, and it sometimes does the opposite! Studying the outcome of best small audio speakers will take a considerable amount of time. Also, there are multiple sides of best small audio speakers you need to check. That’s the reason why we’re all ready to assist you with best small audio speakers issue.

You should pay more attention to the following criteria of best small audio speakers in 2024:

Matching With The Right Components

Match speakers with the correct amplifiers or receivers to get best results. The range of power required to power each unit is usually specified by manufacturers. A speaker might require 30 to 100 watts to function well.
For performance reasons, it is best to stick with one brand of speaker if you are using surround sound or multichannel speakers. You may need to fine tune the mix-and match situation.

Sensitivity

The speaker's sensitivities are a measurement of its effectiveness. Speakers with high sensitivity produce higher volume at given voltages. You can use this information to determine how large an amplifier is needed to power the speakers. The measurement can be expressed in decibels per 2.83V input. Example: "88dB/2.83V." You don't need a huge amplifier to drive speakers, but you do want at least 86dB. 88dB is better.

Size And Styling

All of these speakers can be used in a living room, den or bedroom. Our best computer speakers guide will help you find the right speaker for your needs. The speakers we selected were small enough that they could be placed on large shelves or credenzas, but large enough to provide enough bass to operate on their own.

Power Handling

The power handling indicates how strong the speaker can withstand without causing damage. A speaker rated as "100W maximum" should not be considered dangerous if it is equipped with a 200-Watt amplifier. You won't likely put this much power in the speakers. A loudspeaker's damage is usually caused by a small amplifier that drives it too high. It is the loud-level distortion that causes the most damage.

Connectivity

It is essential that the speaker has good connectivity. A Bluetooth speaker that supports NFC is a great option for all types of connectivity. This makes it compatible with any device and allows for easy connection, even at low speeds. An additional advantage would be a speaker with a wired connection, in addition to wireless connectivity.
You can connect a speaker via wired or wireless connectivity. An audio system that is wired would connect to the speakers where the sound comes from. A wireless subwoofer, on the other hand, will connect to speakers via Bluetooth or WiFi.

Types Of Speakers

You have many options when it comes to speakers. It can be overwhelming to choose from so many options. However, it is possible to narrow down your search by choosing the type of speaker you prefer.
There are many types of speakers, including floor-standing, bookcase, satellite, subwoofers, soundbar, portable and others. While some types, like on-wall speakers can be placed right away, others, such as in-ceiling or in-wall, may need special installations and/or fixtures, and are best plugged in within a few minutes. You have the option of wired or wireless speakers, as well as multi-channel surround sound or a stereo pair. Your personal preference should guide your decision.

Sound Quality

The quality of sound is an individual judgment. Every person has different taste preferences, and what is great to one may not be for another. No one speaker is the best, but there are many that appeal to different ears.
Listen to as many speakers models as you can with the music you are familiar with when shopping. To get an idea of the speaker that interests you, bring along CDs and flash drives with digital music.
You can also evaluate speakers by listening to live music. You should find the music to be natural and enjoyable for long periods.

FAQs

Will Speakers Work With Any Receiver?

Although technically yes, you will need to match the impedance. You might also want to invest in a bigger, stronger amplifier to support larger speakers. It is better to have more power than less, but you should be cautious to not damage the speakers.

What Features Do The Best Overall Speakers Offer?

This all depends on your needs. Consider a portable, great-sounding speaker. Look for something that is weather-proof and can connect to multiple sources (e.g. Bluetooth, Wi Fi, auxiliary). You will also need plenty of power for times when you can't access a charger. You should consider features such as wattage and resistance. It's not a good idea to have a set of high-end hi-fi speakers which are difficult to blend in with your home.

Do Higher Watt Speakers Sound Better?

Not necessarily. There are some high-wattage speakers out there that sound amazing and pack a lot of power, but the majority of people will be happy with 50-watt bookshelf speakers. These speakers focus on engineering and design more than just pure power.

How Can You Improve Speaker Quality?

You can improve the quality of your speakers' sound by doing a few things. First, look around at the space where you listen. Moving a chair or couch could improve your listening experience. How about your speakers? You'll need to triangulate the seating arrangement to position you at the middle of the listening area, and your speakers pointed towards you.
Try placing your speakers on the ground. Instead, place them on shelves and speaker stands. Bookshelf speakers can often be matched with your height while seated.

How Many Watts Is A Good Speaker?

The term "wattage" does not necessarily mean quality. It is simply a measurement of the power that a speaker can produce. A 1,000-watt speaker might be louder that a 100-watt one, but what matters most is how the engineer built the speaker. This includes everything, from the cabinet, drivers and woofers, to the tweeter.

Will Speakers Accept A 3.5mm Input?

Most speakers have a 3.5mm input. Many amplifiers and receivers have an RCA input. However, you can connect a 3.5mm source with an adapter.

Do I Need A Subwoofer With My Speaker Setup? Will It Come With One?

It all depends. It depends on where you live. If not specified, most speakers don't come with subwoofers. However, soundbars usually do.

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About Piers Anthony

Piers Anthony

Piers Anthony is a freelance writer and computer expert who enjoys helping others get the most out of their technology. He has written extensively about laptops, soundbars, and other computer-related topics, and he currently serves as the editor of The Audio Insights website. When he's not writing or tinkering with his gadgets, Piers can be found spending time with his wife and family.